Drug Addiction and Psychological Distress: The Role of Neuroticism as a Mediator

Purpose: This study examines the relationship between drug addiction and psychological distress among university students in Pakistan, focusing on the mediating role of neuroticism. Methodology: A quantitative cross-sectional correlational design was employed using purposive sampling to recruit 154 university students (men and women) from public and private universities in Pakistan, aged 18 to 30 years (M = 22.65, SD = 3.24). Standardized instruments were used, including the Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST-10), the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21), and the neuroticism subscale of the Big Five Inventory (BFI-10). Pearson correlation analysis and mediation analysis were conducted to test the hypothesized relationships. Findings: Results revealed that drug addiction, neuroticism, and psychological distress were all significantly and positively correlated. Mediation analysis indicated that neuroticism significantly mediated the relationship between drug addiction and psychological distress. Drug addiction significantly predicted both neuroticism and psychological distress, while neuroticism also significantly predicted psychological distress. The indirect effect was significant, confirming partial mediation. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy, and Practice: This study extends the Vulnerability-Stress Model by identifying neuroticism as a key mechanism linking drug addiction to psychological distress among university students in Pakistan. The findings highlight the need for personality-informed mental health interventions. Universities and policymakers should integrate substance use screening with psychological support programs targeting emotional instability and stress management.